As the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship revs up, the motorsport world is brimming with anticipation. With a storied history and a visionary approach to the future, IMSA has evolved into a global powerhouse in sports car racing. The upcoming season promises to cement its place at the forefront of international motorsport, blending tradition, innovation, and competition in ways that few series can rival.
IMSA’s Unstoppable Momentum
Under the leadership of IMSA Chairman Jim France, CEO Ed Bennett, and President John Doonan, IMSA has achieved an enviable balance: preserving its rich heritage while embracing cutting-edge innovation. In an era where motorsports faces fierce competition for audience attention, IMSA is not just surviving—it’s thriving.
IMSA’s resurgence can be traced to several strategic moves, with the introduction of the GTP class in 2023 as a pivotal moment. Manufacturers like Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche have poured resources into the series, aligning their global racing programs with IMSA’s vision. Meanwhile, GTD and GTD PRO classes continue to attract legendary brands like Aston Martin, Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, ensuring competitive depth across the grid.
Daytona, Sebring, and Petit Le Mans: Icons of Endurance
IMSA isn’t just about cars and drivers—it’s about the legendary events that define the series. The Rolex 24 at Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, and Petit Le Mans are more than races; they’re institutions where stories of triumph, heartbreak, and endurance unfold. These events have not only remained relevant but are more thrilling than ever, thanks to IMSA’s efforts to elevate the fan experience and on-track competition.
The Balance of Performance: Thrilling and Fair Racing
IMSA’s Balance of Performance (BoP) system has been honed to ensure parity while keeping the racing exciting. Often a contentious topic in motorsport, BoP is a cornerstone of IMSA’s success, enabling manufacturers to compete on a level playing field.
John Doonan, who brought a wealth of experience from overseeing Mazda’s North American racing programs, understands the delicate balance between fairness and excitement. His leadership has cultivated trust among manufacturers, ensuring IMSA remains a premier destination for factory-backed teams and privateer efforts alike.
A Multi-Class Marvel
Few racing series manage multi-class competition as seamlessly as IMSA. From the lightning-fast GTP prototypes to the accessibility of GTD and LMP2, IMSA ensures that every car on the grid matters. This inclusivity allows privateer teams to share the stage with factory-backed giants, preserving the essence of sports car racing.
Fan Experience: At the Heart of IMSA
IMSA’s commitment to fans sets it apart. With open paddocks, autograph sessions, and unparalleled access to drivers and teams, IMSA weekends are designed to forge a deep connection between the sport and its audience.
Digital engagement has also taken center stage, with IMSA leveraging platforms to tell the stories of human and mechanical endurance that define the series. This focus on storytelling ensures fans stay engaged, whether they’re trackside or watching from home.
A Global Vision
IMSA’s alignment with the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has redefined international sports car racing. The seamless crossover between IMSA and WEC, with unified rulesets, allows fans to witness IMSA cars at Le Mans and WEC machines competing at Daytona. This collaboration strengthens both series and creates a truly global platform for manufacturers, teams, and fans.
Innovation and Sustainability
The introduction of hybrid technology in the GTP class highlights IMSA’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Manufacturers aren’t just racing to win—they’re developing technologies that will shape the future of road cars. IMSA’s embrace of cutting-edge solutions positions it as a leader in motorsport’s evolving landscape.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
With the Rolex 24 at Daytona set to kick off the season, all eyes are on IMSA. The series is poised for one of its most competitive seasons yet, thanks to a mix of veteran talent, rising stars, and global racing superstars. The calendar, anchored by North America’s most iconic road courses, promises action-packed weekends that showcase the best of endurance racing.
A Season to Remember
IMSA’s trajectory under John Doonan’s leadership is a testament to strategic foresight, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As engines roar to life at Daytona, IMSA stands as a shining example of how tradition and innovation can coexist in motorsport.
For fans and competitors alike, 2025 isn’t just another season—it’s a celebration of everything that makes sports car racing extraordinary.
